Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes - 34 Inspirational Sayings By French Philosopher

Looking for inspirational Jean-Jacques Rousseau quotes? Then you've found it here! Rousseau was not only one of the most important French writers and philosophers, but also a successful naturalist, educator and composer. His commitment also made him one of the pioneers of the French Revolution.

In this collection of sayings, I would like to introduce you to his most important wisdom and quotes.

My please: Keep in mind that many of the quotes from Rousseau have been translated into English from other languages. I cannot guarantee that it is the original quote in each case. Therefore, double check them before you share them. If you like and share any of the quotes in the internet, please link this elaborately created collection. Thank you for your support!

34 valuable quotes and sayings by Jean-Jacques Rousseau

Rousseau stood up like no other for the Reason and the individual rights of the individual in this field. His comments on free will in particular made a decisive contribution to the Influence on psychoanalysis and educational theories throughout Europe. Use the following short and long quotes from the philosopher to get inspired by his values.

Jean-Jacques Rousseau quotes 1 - 10

1. "Nature never deceives us; it is we who deceive ourselves."
2. "All wickedness comes from weakness."
3. "You must have learned a lot to be able to ask about what you don't know."
4. "The only way to avoid error is ignorance."
5. "Why should we build our happiness on the opinons of others, when we can find it in our own hearts?"
6. "It is much more valuable to always have people's respect than to occasionally have their admiration."
7. "A teacher should not be a servant, otherwise he turns the pupil into a second servant."
8. "Everyone will notice that on high mountains, where the air is pure and thin, you breathe more freely and feel physically lighter and mentally cheerful."
9. "The world of reality has its limits; the world of imagination is boundless."
10. "Trust your heart rather than your head."

Tip: Even more Quotes about strength of character and personalities you can find in the linked collection!

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes 11 - 20

11. "Everything is good as it comes from the hands of the Maker of the world, but degenerates once it gets into the hands of man."
12. "Never have I thought so much, never have I realised my own existence so much, been so much alive, been so much myself ... as in those journeys which I have made alone and afoot. Walking has something in it which animates and heightens my ideas: I can scarcely think when I stay in one place. My body must be set a-going if my mind is to work."
13. "Those who want to get to their destination can travel by stagecoach. But if you want to travel properly, you should walk."
14. "We cannot teach children the danger of telling lies to men without realising, on the man’s part, the danger of telling lies to children. A single untruth on the part of the master will destroy the results of his education."
15. "Why seek hell in the hereafter? It is already here in this world, in the heart of those who are evil."
16. "The more I enter myself, the more I read the words written in my soul: Be righteous, and you will be happy."
17. "I prefer liberty with danger than peace with slavery."
18. "The trees, the shrubs, the plants are the ornament and the garment of the earth."
19. "To write a good love letter, you ought to begin without knowing what you mean to say, and to finish without knowing what you have written."
20. "The man who has lived the most is not he who has counted the most years but he who has most felt life."

Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes 21 - 34

21. "Man is born free, and everywhere he is in chains."
22. "Let us beware of proclaiming the truth to those who cannot as yet comprehend it, for to do so is to try to inculcate error."
23. "A lot of kids have parents who are hard to raise."
24. "Gratitude is a duty which ought to be paid, but which none have a right to expect."
25. "I have never thought, for my part, that man's freedom consists in his being able to do whatever he wills, but that he should not, by any human power, be forced to do what is against his will."
26. "There are always four sides to a story: your side, their side, the truth and what really happened."
27. "Plants are shaped by cultivation and men by education."
28. "All true patterns of taste are in nature."
29. "If only lies can save us, then that's it, we're lost."
30. "Free people, remember this maxim: we may acquire liberty, but it is never recovered once it is lost."
31. "It is in the nature of man to endure patiently the necessity of things, but not the ill will of others."
32. "Insults are the arguments employed by those who are in the wrong."
33. "Reason shapes people, emotion guides them."
34. "For the rich, boredom is the great scourge."

Can you think of any other sayings by Rousseau? Then always come up with your ideas in the comments!

Frequently asked questions about Jean-Jacques-Rousseau

Use the quotes from Jean-Jacques Rousseau as personal inspiration!

Rousseau is without doubt one of the most important and influential philosophers of the Age of Enlightenment. I hope that I have been able to inspire you with his quotes.

Finally, I would like to further articles that correspond to his values and should promote your personal development:

• Living more sustainably - Here's how!
• Improve general knowledge with simple means
• Why you should go for walks more often

You have more Jean-Jacques Rousseau Quotes in stock or just questions about the Sayings Collection? Then I look forward to your comment!

Stay inspired,

PS.: Just look a little further in the Quotes blog around. There you will also find, for example, his collection of the best Sayings about education. Have fun!